Arguments set for February on N.C. redistricting

By Web Exclusives

Published: Tuesday, January 29, 2013 at 07:47 AM.

The litigation had been stuck in neutral for months while the state Supreme Court considered what kind of documents state-paid private attorneys for Republican legislative leaders must release. The justices ruled last Friday, siding with lawmakers who argued some documents can remain confidential.

The lawsuits are likely to return to the Supreme Court for rulings regardless of how the three judges rule on the maps' legality.

(AP) - A three-judge panel has set aside two days next month to hear arguments whether new boundaries for North Carolina legislative and congressional districts should be thrown out or upheld.

The Superior Court judges hearing a pair of lawsuits filed by Democrats and other groups challenging the 2011 maps announced Monday they would listen to lawyers on their motions Feb. 25 and 26 in Raleigh.

The litigation had been stuck in neutral for months while the state Supreme Court considered what kind of documents state-paid private attorneys for Republican legislative leaders must release. The justices ruled last Friday, siding with lawmakers who argued some documents can remain confidential.

The lawsuits are likely to return to the Supreme Court for rulings regardless of how the three judges rule on the maps' legality.